I own a kohetsu 800-2k and will probably invest in a cerax 320. How long does it take for these stones to dry? Can i place them in direct sun (100s here in central cali) or is that a no-no? What about in the winter? Can they be placed in a hot oven to dry? In general, how should these stones be cared for?

I also read recommendations on wrapping a damp towel around the stones so they dry more evenly and slower which might keep them from doing the hairline crack thing. I started using a damp micro fiber tower to wrap around my stones since my Choseras cracked.Hope it helps.We'll see but yes,definitely no oven or sun light.

I’ve heard stories of people getting cracking problems using the towel method with different stones. Big +1 to the rack and sheet.

jm,
I must have been writing my reply right before you sent yours so I am beside myself here.I heard different then you about the wet towels.In fact Jon at JKI recommends that practice with some of the stones they sell.

I think humidity matter's in air drying your stone. My Arashiyama cracked and split into 2 pieces after I used it as a Splash and Go during winter. When i was still in Indonesia, I don't have any problem with that because it dries very slowly with 85%++ humidity. I think during winter or dry season, it is better to use towel method.

I've always just air dried my stones on a wire rack. Never had a stone crack in 30+ years. And in Minnesota we get humidity (highest continental US dew point ever recorded was here) and it gets darn dry when them outside temp is 30 below.

Born here, grew up here, lived in Montana and a bit in Chicago and NYC, but I like it here. And I'm one of the few lucky ones - not allergic to mosquitos so they don't make me itch. Might retire to the Bay Area though - we love it down there.

I wash and put all my stuff in a collapsible lid holder and leave overnight to dry. My stones are splash-n-go, soakers will take at least a couple days to dry out completely. There is always the exception but stones cracking is rarely an issue. Drying in the sun or oven is definitely a big no no.

If God wanted me to be a vegetarian he wouldn't have made animals taste so good.

So how many days does it take for you to dry stones in August and.. January? What if i wrap the stones up in paper towels, can they go outside then?

Drying times vary from stone to stone. Some stones that appear dry will STILL ruin a cardboard box from latent amounts of humidity. 'Soakers' dry slowly. And if not completely dry will mold up. Paper towels on a wet stone left outside is a very bad idea.

I've had a few soakers mold up on me and it was not pretty - I had to take off a considerable amount of the stone to get rid of the mold. I air dry now with a rack that allows circulation. Also I have almost given up totally on using soaker stones in favor of splash and go and just got started on naturals.